SEWER DISTRICT ASSAILED

KEN BYRON; Courant Staff WriterTHE HARTFORD COURANT

The Mattabassett Sewer District was criticized at a meeting Wednesday of the board of selectmen, with people speaking against plans for it to take on additional sewage from Middletown and questioning the inclusion of district employees in the town's health plan.

The comments made Wednesday came less than two weeks before the district's board of directors is to vote on whether or not to bring in Middletown as its fourth member. The district covers Berlin, Cromwell and New Britain. Bringing in Middletown has been opposed by many in Cromwell, who cite concerns about pollution and odors from the plant, which is off Main Street.

"I wonder where it will all end," said Brian Robertson, a critic of expanding the district. "Is it possible that if another community starts having sewage problems that we will see a request from it to join the district? I'm concerned about the health and well-being of Cromwell residents and also the town's economic development. I can't see how expanding Mattabassett will help the town."

The district has scheduled an informational meeting for the public on the expansion for March 12 in town hall. Robertson said he was angry that the district scheduled the meeting because he believes the district is assuming the expansion will pass in spite of opposition in Cromwell.

"It smacks of arrogance," he said.

Anthony Varricchio, a former first selectman, said the district's 26 employees should not have been put on the town's health plan.

"I question the prudence of including Mattabassett workers," Varricchio said. "In the past, large claims have caused significant increases in town insurance premiums. We have no control of what goes on in the Mattabassett workplace and considering the history of what has gone on there, I'm concerned as to what exposure the town may be in for."

People's comments drew a rebuttal from Brian Armet, Mattabassett director, who is also a town resident.

"We are not a burden to the town," Armet said. "We help with the insurance by increasing the base of employees who are covered. We also provide a good service to the town and we are spending a lot of money to address people's concerns about odors from the plant."

He said he attended Wednesday's meeting in anticipation of remarks about Mattabassett and also to inform people of the informational meeting.

"People raised some valid points tonight," Armet said. "And we're trying to work with the town on those issues. That's our goal now."

Members of the Cromwell Outboard Association also asked the selectmen to pressure the district to move the pipe that dumps effluent from the plant into the Connecticut River. The pipe is near the association's boat launch on the river. Armet said that issue would be studied.